The majority of our native species are vulnerable to introduced predators such as mustelids (stoats, weasels and ferrets), rats, possums and feral cats.

Predator Free 2050 Fund - The Fund's purpose is to support the restoration and protection of Waikirikiri Selwyn’s indigenous biodiversity (plants and wildlife) through the elimination of introduced predator animals

Predator Free 2050 has a vision to completely these pests from New Zealand. Predator Free NZ are leading the pest free movement at a national level. There many community groups in our region that are working to help fulfil the vision of a predator free New Zealand.

The Department of Conservation  has developed the Predator Free 2050: A practical guide to trapping specifically for community led predator control projects. This resource includes beginner tips, trap and bait profiles, how-tos, and funding resources.

Towards Pest Free Waitaha is a collaborative partnership that supports community based-initiatives to suppress and eventually eliminate pest animals leading to a pest free Waitaha/Canterbury. They have a number of on-line resources to help community trapping groups achieve better outcomes.

Training

A 2-day training workshop for community is available through NMIT. This workshop will provide an overview of pest predators in New Zealand, particularly rats, stoats and possums. The main focus is on developing an effective Predator Pest Control Plan and highlighting the importance of monitoring. The workshop allows people to work out the right methods to match the outcomes they are seeking and also gives participants the practical experience they need to trap successfully.

Active Groups

Pest Free Kirwee is registered with Predator Free NZ and is dedicated to the eradication of mammalian pests in the Kirwee township and the surrounding rural area. Kirwee trappers provide traps, knowledge, training and support; they can be contacted at predatorfreekirwee@netspeed.net.nz

The Arthurs Pass Wildlife Trust is a non-profit volunteer organisation that maintains  a network of 107 km of trap lines in the National Park and the northern Part of the Craigieburn Forest  Park.  They also do  activities such as weed control,  bird monitoring and running trap building workshops.

Pest Free Selwyn is being led by Lincoln Envirotown Trust. With our support they have opened a trap Library where a limited numbers of DOC200 traps and bait are available for loan. The trap library is open on the last Saturday of every month at the Lincoln Farmers and Craft Market.

Pest Free Banks Peninsula is a collaborative programme to protect and enhance indigenous biodiversity on Banks Peninsula/Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū through the widespread eradication of animal pests. This community-led initiative has been formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by 14 foundation signatories in November 2018. The Selwyn District Council is a signatory to this MOU. The Pest Free Banks Peninsula working group have prepared a strategy for a pest-free Banks Peninsula which outlines what they seek to achieve, the why and priorities for the next five years.

If you know of any community led projects that are not displayed on this webpage please contact the biodiversity team at biodiversity@selwyn.govt.nz